Mathews’ Eighth‑Inning Homer Decides Braves–Cardinals Duel, 4–3
St. Louis Rallies Late, But Milwaukee Third Baseman Breaks Tie With Sixth Home Run
MILWAUKEE, May 12 — Eddie Mathews, who has been punishing National League pitching with familiar regularity, delivered again Thursday afternoon, driving an eighth‑inning home run that lifted the Milwaukee Braves to a 4–3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at County Stadium.
The blow — Mathews’ third homer in 24 hours and his sixth of the season — came after the Cardinals had tied the game in the top half of the inning. It provided veteran right‑hander Bob Rush with the win in relief.
Braves Strike Early
Milwaukee did nearly all of its scoring in the first inning. Facing St. Louis starter Vinegar Bend Mizell, the Braves loaded the bases on a walk, a single by Mathews, and another walk. Wes Covington singled sharply to right, scoring two, and Felix Mantilla doubled down the right‑field line to bring home a third run.
The Braves threatened to add more when Del Crandall walked to load the bases again, but Mizell struck out pitcher Bob Buhl to end the inning.
Cardinals Chip Away
St. Louis began its comeback in the third. Joe Cunningham reached on an infield hit, and Bill White lofted a pop fly that dropped in left for a double, scoring Cunningham.
In the seventh, the Cardinals drew closer. Pinch‑hitter George Crowe singled, another walk followed, and White doubled again, driving in a second run and cutting Milwaukee’s lead to 3–2.
St. Louis Ties It in the Eighth
Buhl, who had been steady after the rocky first inning, lost his control in the eighth. He walked two with one out, prompting manager Charlie Dressen to summon rookie left‑hander Ken MacKenzie. MacKenzie walked the first man he faced, loading the bases, and pinch‑hitter Curt Flood lifted a sacrifice fly to center, tying the game at 3–3.
Another walk reloaded the bases, but Rush entered and retired the next batter to prevent further damage.
Mathews Answers Immediately
The tie lasted only minutes. With one out in the bottom of the eighth, Mathews drove an 0–1 pitch from Larry Jackson, the Cardinals’ third pitcher, deep into the right‑field runway. It was the 305th home run of his career.
Mathews finished with three hits, including two singles.
Rush Closes It Out
Rush retired the final four Cardinals in order, securing the victory and handing St. Louis its 10th straight road loss.
Notes
- White collected two doubles and drove in two of St. Louis’ three runs.
- Milwaukee and St. Louis each finished with six hits.
- Buhl allowed only one run after the first inning but walked five.
- The Braves have now won consecutive games after a brief slump.
Courtesy of The Wisconsin State Journal May 13, 1960 via Newspapers.com